News Release

Stats confirm: 100,000 lives saved in Northern Ireland

BELFAST/LONDON – On 2 August, the UK’s advertising regulator ASA ruled that a much debated pro-life campaign in Northern Ireland was in fact accurate. The campaign “Both Lives Matter” stated that 100,000 people are alive today because of the province’s sensible abortion law. The advert first appeared in January 2017. After receiving multiple complaints, the regulator started an independent investigation. It found that all claims displayed on the billboard were correct.

“This is a victory for common sense and free speech. All too often people claiming to be pro-choice shout down any opposition, but the statistics speak for themselves - there have been over eight million abortions under the 1967 Act in Great Britain, while 100,000 lives have been saved in Northern Ireland. That is the choice we are talking about,” said Dawn McAvoy, a spokeswoman for “Both Lives Matter”.

50th anniversary of questionable abortion legislation

This October marks the 50th anniversary of the UK Abortion Act. The pro-life campaign “Both Lives Matter” seeks to bring new perspectives into the ongoing debate about the right to life of children in the womb. It also addresses the need for support of pregnant women in difficult situations, who are often left alone with their choice and face immense pressure. The campaign provides information about the positive impact Northern Ireland’s decision has made for many mothers and children while the rest of the UK has seen abortion numbers rise exponentially since the adoption of the 1967 Act.

“At all stages of their development humans have the right to life. This right is not earned, it is inherent. Northern Ireland respected this human right enshrined in international law when refusing to adopt the Abortion Act in 1967. At least 100,000 people today owe their life to that courageous decision. Apart from the indisputable statistics, the campaign “Both Lives Matter” also draws attention to the mothers that need our support.Our society should use its considerable resources to support every mother and her unborn child, not just in Northern Ireland but in the UK and all throughout Europe,” said Ryan Day, Senior Policy Officer for ADF International, a human rights group partnering with “Both Lives Matter”.

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